Introducing and embedding validation into your PhD work

Abstract

The importance of validation apart its psychological benefits is key aspect of PhD work. In general, all validation, credibility and triangulation are components of methodology and should be incorporated early into the research design. Research design methodologies such as action research and design science research have already built-in cycles of validation loops and interactions between the empirical setting and the theory development. Regularly attending conferences (especially one’s first), seeking peer feedback from journals and other peer review panels, using Delphi methods, organising “Living labs” and focus groups as part of the research design are some possible ways to introduce and embed validation in the PhD work. Beyond one’s PhD, training doctoral candidates in seeking to be outside their comfort zone is important for any future career path, in academia or industry.